The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Kylie Nelson from Premier Marketing

The DPHA 17-in-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Kylie Nelson, an Inside Sales Rep Agent in San Ramon, CA. 

When you talk about someone growing up in the industry and you live in the northern California area, there is a good chance that Kylie Nelson is the very person you are thinking of.  The daughter of Mary and Alan Labowitz (the owners and founders of Premier Marketing), Kylie can truly be said to have "DPH blood" flowing through her.  Now a co-chairperson of the 2018 Northern California Regional Committee, Kylie has been actively engaged in DPHA for the past few years, and may very will be part of the next wave of leaders for the Association.  

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Kylie: I have been a part of this industry officially for 3 years now, however, I grew up in this industry helping my family company for as long as I can remember. As a child, I would go into a hotel bathroom or a friend's home and see if I could spot our products. As you can see, I was born into this industry and the apple didn't fall far from the tree.     

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Kylie: The friendliness and sense of community. I have been delighted to discover that I am able to work with so many interesting and helpful people. Both in the showroom and with other rep agencies, I have thoroughly enjoyed developing so many relationships, many of which have become great personal friendships.

 

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Kylie: As a young woman in an industry of many well-established principals, I have to prove myself as a reliable and trustworthy sales rep. Respect and confidence takes years to establish, so I continue to work on building my reputation and gaining the experience needed to be well-founded in this industry. 

 

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Kylie: Being that I am in my mid-twenties, many of my friends do not understand how I have so much passion and interest in decorative plumbing and hardware. What they don't understand is there is so much more to this industry than just selling "toilets." There are mid- to high-end artisan-made products that can bring life and comfort to a kitchen or bathroom. My favorite thing is to hear a showroom sales associate say "thank you" to us for giving them a product to sell that not only makes their customer happy with the investment, but also the end result. It is an honor to be trusted enough to represent such amazing products. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that I have done everything I can to help a showroom take care of their customers.

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Kylie: It has truly been a privilege to be nominated for the 17-in-17 Program. I have recently been more involved with all that DPHA offers and find great value in this organization. It is a great feeling to follow in the footsteps of my mother, Mary Labowitz, and see all of her hard work and commitment into this organization and be able to continue this family tradition.

 

If you would like to nominate someone for the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?